Beetles. Scorpions. Tarantulas. When it comes to villains based on creepy-crawlies, Spider-Man easily leads the pack. But unlike the arthropod-based antagonists listed above, there’s one bug-based baddie who’s never known life in action figure form. Ladies and gentlemen, put your pseudotracheae together in welcoming The Human Fly!
The Fly first appeared in Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 10 and is arguably the last of the “old school” Spidey villains. Created by Len Wein, Bill Mantlo, and Gil Kane, the Fly’s origin story is straight out of Stan Lee 101: J. Johnah Jameson hates that blasted web-head, hires a shady scientist to gimmick out a street-level thug, said thug then turns on Jameson, forcing Spidey to rescue the rapacious publisher. And while this it familiar territory for many readers, it made sense considering some of the Fly’s kookier attributes.
In keeping with his origins, the Fly had a fairly traditional supervillain look at first. His appearance mirrored Spider-Man’s, but with more blatantly bug-like characteristics, like compound eyes and large translucent wings. And while his yellow and green costume alone makes him worthy of entry, it was the Fly’s increasingly bizarre behavior that ensures his place in the hallowed halls of Mortdom.
Wow, it’s like every experience I’ve ever had at the Great American Buffet. The Fly struggled to maintain his humanity, but his mutation progressed rapidly. He soon shed his lemon-lime onesie and took on a more insectiod appearance.
While the Fly had developed super-strength, acidic vomit, and the ability to generate shock waves with his wings, his greatest defensive capability was clearly his shirtlessness. Nobody wants a hug from the hairy guy. Like his namesake, the Fly buzzed around the Marvel U. making a nuisance of himself until someone swatted him. With a bullet.
“I’d better get moving if I don’t want to run into Spider-Man!” Yeah, because he might thank you. Also, Kamandi would like his shorts back. Obviously the Fly didn’t stay dead, reverting to his more humanoid form with help from The Hood and the dreaded Dormammu. He was last seen in Superior Foes of Spider-Man #12, fighting alongside other long-time C-list villains. After almost 40 years, it’s high time he had some representation in our toy collections.
A picture is worth a thousand words, so long-time Fwoosher Glennwebman69 makes the point better than I ever could with his killer Human Fly custom. Based on the insect villain’s classic look, the figure is a note-perfect representation of the character. From his trademark scowl to the tips of his poseable iridescent wings, this is everything you could want in a Human Fly figure.
Glenn’s paint choice’s are spot on. The metallic colors really pop, as well as subtly conveying the character’s insect nature. The compound eyes really grab focus, adding to his intense demeanor.
As far as actually getting a figure of the Human Fly in a Spider-Man Legends line goes, I don’t think the chances are actually all that bad. I mean, the ‘Fly makes just as much sense as the Ultimate Beetle did. If that weird-lookin’ Power Ranger wanna-be can get a figure, then surely this guy can! He’d be an easy retool, which would allow Hasbro to focus on providing a good head sculpt and nice, clean paint work. Heck, I can think of six characters off the top of my head that could reuse those wings…
And if you’re still not convinced of the Human Fly’s bonafides, allow me to submit this vital piece of evidence:
That was Moon Knight he just slapped down, folks. C’mon! At roughly the same time, the Fly was also appearing in this Hostess Twinkies ad:
The disquieting subtext of this situation aside, the Fly’s presence is a puzzling choice. What advertising genius thought using a hirsute, offal-eating thug to sell snack cakes to children was a good idea? Is it really such a good idea to associate your food products with bugs? Then again, no one ever seems to worry about Spider-Man shilling snacks, so why should the Fly be any different?. Besides, I’m pretty sure even flies know Twinkies aren’t actually food.
“THONK!” indeed! C’mon, Hasbro — Make My Mort!
Custom Human Fly figure pics courtesy of Glenn Webb. Check out all of his fantastic customs and more on his youtube channel.
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